Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will serve as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. This decision was made on Tuesday during a meeting at the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. Correspondence regarding this decision has been sent to pro tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab. The Gandhi family secures this position for the third time; Sonia Gandhi previously served as the Leader of Opposition from 13th October 1999 to 6th February 2004, and before that, Rajiv Gandhi fulfilled this role from 18th December 1989 to 24th December 1990.
After a Decade, Congress Appoints Leader of Opposition
It is noteworthy that after a decade, Congress has secured the post of Leader of Opposition. Due to the stipulation that a party must hold at least 10% of the total seats in Lok Sabha to qualify for this position, Congress was unable to attain it in the 2014 and 2019 elections. However, with 99 members this term, Congress has met the criterion and consequently, Rahul Gandhi has been named for the role.
Rahul Gandhi's Powers as Leader of Opposition
Rahul Gandhi, now the Leader of Opposition, will join the committee involved in appointing high-profile positions such as the Director of the CBI, Central Vigilance Commissioner, Chief Information Commissioner, 'Lokpal' or Ombudsperson, Chairperson and members of the National Human Rights Commission, and the Chief Election Commissioner along with the Election Commissioners. For the first time, Prime Minister Modi will need to seek agreement from Rahul Gandhi, who will sit at the same table during these decisions.
Rahul Gandhi to Scrutinize Economic Decisions
As Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi will have the capacity to continually review the government's economic policies and decisions. Gandhi will also head the 'Public Accounts' committee, which is responsible for examining and critiquing government expenditures.
Source: aajtak
Leader of Opposition's Entitlements and Benefits
According to the Leaders Of Opposition In Parliament Act 1977, the Leader of Opposition is entitled to the same rights and privileges as a Cabinet Minister. Rahul Gandhi will now receive office space in the Secretariat akin to a Cabinet Minister, top-level security, and a monthly salary plus allowances amounting to 3,30,000 INR, which is substantially higher than an MP's compensation of approximately 2,25,000 INR including various benefits.
Source: aajtak
Ongoing Review of Government Operations
Rahul Gandhi will be allocated an official residence equivalent to that of Cabinet Ministers, along with complimentary air travel, train travel, government vehicles, and other amenities. Most importantly, as the Leader of Opposition, he will partake in the main committees of Parliament with the authority to continuously review government function.
